Christopher Ochal
Summary
Accomplished Aviation Leader with 10+ years of experience across ORD Hub Operations and Corporate Real Estate. Expert in driving hub performance (D-00, A-00, STAR, MST) and leading large-scale infrastructure coordination, including the ORD Next and IAD Next. Proven track record of managing 24/7 operations, leading high-performing teams, and protecting operational integrity during multi-billion dollar capital projects.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Airport Planning Manager | Corporate Real Estate
United Airlines
ORD/IAD, IL
11.2024 - Current
- Lead strategic coordination for ORD NEXT and IAD NEXT programs, ensuring multi-billion dollar modernization projects execute with minimal impact to live flight schedules.
- Primary interface with the CDA, AO and Network Planning to drive facility readiness.
- Lead and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to direct large-scale improvement projects at ORD and IAD.
- Strategically brief Airport Operation Leadership on critical construction milestones, developing proactive mitigation strategies and operational alternatives to minimize disruptions.
- Leverage a deep understanding of Ramp and Move Team procedures to optimize gate layouts, refine pushback protocols, and enhance aircraft spacing, directly driving efficiency and safety.
Manager | Station Operations Center
United Airlines
ORD
12.2022 - 11.2024
- Directed pre-planning and exception management for all flight banks, ensuring optimal station readiness, optimal decision-making, and seamless daily operations.
- Served as the primary tactical liaison with the NOC and Senior Leaders during irregular operations (IROPS) and significant weather events to solution operational gaps.
- Drove achievement of D-00, STAR, and MST goals by implementing real-time data analysis for process and policy development.
- Led, advised, and developed 12 direct reports; enhanced team capabilities and future leadership pipelines through targeted career mentorship and performance management.
- Established a collaborative framework within the SOC to cultivate working-level discussions, driving the identification, publication, and system-wide sharing of operational best practices.
- Analyzed real-time performance metrics to isolate operational trends, enabling proactive exception management and targeted interventions where critical operational focus was required.
Manager | Operations Control
United Airlines
ORD
05.2019 - 12.2022
- Served as primary management control for hub gating plans, daily schedule integrity, and next-day flight gating requirements.
- Directed pre-planned responses and alternative strategies for irregular operations to minimize downline operational impact.
- Collaborated across all airport operations and NOC stakeholders to leverage real-time data and create operational action plans in real time.
Supervisor | Operations Control
United Airlines
ORD
01.2015 - 05.2019
- Managed baggage, boarding, and aircraft servicing within reliability goals.
- Coordinated logistics for aircraft damage incidents and monitored MST/Priority targets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Administration, Business And Supply Chain Management
LEWIS UNIVERSITY
Timeline
Airport Planning Manager | Corporate Real Estate
United Airlines
11.2024 - Current
Manager | Station Operations Center
United Airlines
12.2022 - 11.2024
Manager | Operations Control
United Airlines
05.2019 - 12.2022
Supervisor | Operations Control
United Airlines
01.2015 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Administration, Business And Supply Chain Management
LEWIS UNIVERSITY